I've Tried Everything But AdTech Therapy

SPEAKER_1 (0:12)

Welcome to AdExchanger Talks, the podcast devoted to examining the issues and trends in advertising and marketing technology that matter most to you.

Sarah Sluss (0:24)

Today's episode is sponsored by Basis, the leading intelligent operating system for autonomous advertising. Its enterprise AI solution transforms campaign briefs into strategies and media plans that integrate directly into omni-channel activation. You can learn more at basis.com.

Anthony Vargas (0:50)

It's a crazy time for the open web. Between generative AI search-limiting referral traffic and increased pressure on media owners to prove their quality, it's enough to send any digital publisher running to the therapist's couch. But boy, do we have the right guests for this moment.

Welcome to AdExchanger Talks. I'm Anthony Vargas, managing editor for AdExchanger, filling in for our usual host, Allison Schiff. And I'm joined today by Jana Meron and Scott Messer of AdTech Therapy. Thanks to you both for joining us.

Jana Meron (1:19)

Thanks for having us, Anthony.

Scott Messer (1:21)

Great to see you, Anthony.

Jana Meron (1:23)

Yeah.

Anthony Vargas (1:24)

Both of our guests today spent at least a decade working in publisher monetization before launching their own consultancies and eventually teaming up for this joint venture. And they also answer the publishing community's most pressing questions on their AdTech Therapy podcast, which you can find on your podcasting platform of choice.

In this episode, we're going to be diving into the issues ailing the publisher community, and it just so happens, this is the 500th episode of AdExchanger Talks.

Jana Meron (1:50)

Hey!

Anthony Vargas (1:51)

Right? And since the ad industry prides itself on keeping the open web open for business, I thought, what better topic to focus on than publisher monetization? But before we dig in, I have to tease programmatic IO in New York taking place later this month on September 28th and 29th. Media and advertising thought leaders will be gathering at the Marriott Marquis in New York City to discuss the biggest growth opportunities in the industry today, the latest on iGentic AI and the ever-evolving state of the open web. Make sure to register if you haven't already. And a reminder, our podcast listeners can use the code POD10, that's P-O-D-10, for a nice discount. Now Jana and Scott, let's get to it. So we usually like to start AdExchanger Talks off with a fun question or by discussing a little known fact about our guests.

And Scott, this is something I learned about you recently.

You told me that you and your wife were at one time frequent attendees of Burning Man. So I have to ask, what is it about the burner lifestyle that appeals to you and what lessons can the ad tech industry learn from Burning Man?

Scott Messer (2:57)

Great question. And it's actually Burning Man week right now. Everyone is out in the desert. I am not now that I have two small children in my house, but we are big fans of it. The lesson that I take from it is participation and creativity.

Just consuming art is not enough, but to make it and to give it away is really special. And so I think that's sort of what drives part of my philosophy of sharing information and tips and helping people and trying to build things that are beautiful, like publisher websites and communities, is that I want to participate in this world and I want to be an active participant. So that's my that's my little takeaway from there. I certainly have a lot more stories if you want to find me somewhere else.

Anthony Vargas (3:48)

I'm sure. Jana, have you ever attended Burning Man?

Jana Meron (3:53)

I have not.

Anthony Vargas (3:54)

Yeah. Have you ever considered going there?

Jana Meron (3:59)

Maybe when I was younger, but I did spend a solid year every time I was on break from college following the dead.

Anthony Vargas (4:12)

Yeah, excellent.

Jana Meron (4:13)

So little known. Look, I even surprised Scott.

Anthony Vargas (4:19)

Yeah, you see, this is such a good way to learn new things about people in the industry that we have conversations with all the time, but I never would have guessed that. What are some takeaways from following the dead around that you think might be applicable to the ad tech industry?

Jana Meron (4:37)

Being open and being willing to be flexible, or Scott and I like to say, being comfortable, being uncomfortable, and embracing the moment. Right now, it's a pretty stressful moment, but instead of freaking out about it, this is our opportunity to find solutions, and following the dead, it's an open environment where you can explore various things.

Anthony Vargas (5:08)

To say the least.